Yesterday was my last day with museum -- maybe. As I was finishing up my project, my boss came into my cubicle and asked if I was going to be around next year and available if she needed me. She can't offer me anything until they know what their 2016 budget is (why don't they know already???) but it sounds as though a renewal of my contract is definitely a possibility. Despite my frustrations, I will take it if offered. It's money, and I will need it, for my trips and my gap year.

I ended up donating about 3 hours of my time to finish the project to my satisfaction. I don't like to let things dangle unfinished. And I was so close.

Today I need to create the invoice and email it.

Also, since it's the last day of the year, I need to take some items to Goodwill and make a donation to my college. (I'm going to cheat and not count the donation in this month's variables budget, though. I don't want to go above 100% and I can easily make it up next month. Yes, I'm playing a game with myself.)

I'm also going to start on getting ready for the brunch, at the very least writing out a list of things I have to do. I can make a few things ahead, but for most I'll have to do a grocery trip first. And I won't do that until tomorrow.

Turned out I had a half a tank of gas, so there was no worry there. I had to hack off big chunks of ice from my car! I didn't realize how much it had built up.

My only spending yesterday was $1.13 at Starbuck's. I used a $5 gift card and bought breakfast on the way to work.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Oatmeal
Lunch: Pizza
Dinner: Egg salad sandwich

I just earned a couple of snowflakes. I did a survey for my doctor's office, which will net me a $5 Starbucks card, and I switched a prescription to a mail-order service, which will save me $8.11.

10 more hours to work. Five today and five tomorrow. Tomorrow I will drive in for my last day, and then will send in my invoice.

Then I will focus on the brunch, and after that, my new year!

I already know I am going up to Michigan to visit my brother. He and his wife have some work for me to do, but I doubt that I will charge them, given all they have done for me. I may have said this already!

I hope to see BFF. And I hope to get back to writing my novel. I'm not sure how much of it survived my computer breakdown. I know I saved variations of it on a flash drive and on the cloud, just not sure exactly how much of it was properly saved. Not a big problem, since it needs tons of revising anyway.

I'm also going to take up my C.S. Lewis reading again. I'm hoping to see my friend, the scholar, in January.

And in a couple of days, I get to do my yearly recap! What fun! I've spent 100% of this month's variables budget, but I have reserved $1712 of it since March, which is much better than I expected. My recap will examine what I've spent in what areas.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Toast & Peanut Butter
Lunch: Omelet
Dinner: Cheese quesadillas & salsa

I have been thinking about the upcoming year, and what my aspirations are. I don't want to make resolutions or even set goals -- I guess I am more interested in continuous improvement in small increments. Even before TD posted about her "theme" I had already decided on a theme, which was coincidentally her last year's theme -- attentiveness/mindfulness. I just need to be more aware. To listen -- not just to people, but to the events in my life. To pay attention to what is happening around me and to me. To have my brain turned on, for Pete's sake! I spend too much time daydreaming.

Financially, I know that there are three things I have to save for. The Key West trip, the cruise, and my gap year. My gap year is the time between my last stipend from the College and the first "upgraded" Social Security payment, when I switch to my own benefit. I think it will be actually a little more than a year. I will need to make up $275 a month. I have two and a half years before it begins.

That sounds pretty formidable, given that my income is pretty low. That's where I'm hoping that mindfulness will create new revenue streams, and new ideas about cutting corners.

Today I tackle the last 15 hours of work. I was going to drive in today, as I am so much more focused there (and can use a better computer) but the weather is not cooperating. An ice storm is predicted, so I am going to stay off the roads.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Toast
Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich, applesauce
Dinner: Veggies & pita bread

Well, I'm washing all of bedding today, including the sheets I just put on. One of my cats threw up on the bed, and it soaked all the way through to the mattress pad. Luckily, it didn't get on the mattress. I had to wash the sheets, the pad and the comforter. I spot-cleaned the quilt that was serving as a counterpane.

Since I was washing all that, I decided to wash the dust ruffle (which hasn't been washed in a while!) And since I had to wrestle with the mattress to get it off and on, I turned the mattress. I'll try to remember to do this every New Year's. The laundering will cost at least $3 -- may be $4.50 if the comforter has to go another round, as it probably will.

My son has urged me to switch my cats to wet food. He said it solved some behavioral issues with his cat, and he thinks it will help Iggy. Heck, Iggy may be used to wet food already, for all I know! So I started yesterday, and they were both delighted. It sure is stinky, though! And at .60 a can, I'm going to have to figure out how to get it more cheaply.

So I went to the grocery store yesterday to get the cat food, and I also bought a box of wine, some sourdough bread, and some kitty litter. All were on sale. I even sent in a $3 rebate on the wine, which I will add to my snowflakes. The total cost was $34. Variables spending is at 99%! But I still think I may make it. I only have to go to the museum once, and I have enough gas for that.

Today I'm going to repurpose some leftovers from the Christmas dinner. I'm going to make corn chowder out of the corn casserole, and I'm going to add turkey to the rice dish to make it an entrée. Then I will freeze in portions, as there will be way too much for me to eat very quickly. I'm hoping that January will be a very low-cost month, grocery-wise.

I do have to get ready for the January 3 brunch, though. Plans that are swirling around in my head are: breakfast casserole (eggs, sausage, veggies), sweet potato muffins, pumpkin tarts, fruit bowl, creamed onions, cheddar bay biscuits, and -- I don't know the name for it -- crescent rolls baked as a square crust and topped with a Ranch/cream cheese spread and cut up veggies. Punch, coffee -- I think that's it. These items will use up a lot of things I have on hand, but I will have to do some shopping.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Oatmeal w/cranberries & nuts
Lunch: Corn chowder
Dinner: Turkey rice dish

I love Christmas, but I'm always relieved when it's over. I love to kick back and recuperate from all the fuss.

It was a pretty good Christmas, all told. I think my gifts were appreciated, and I know I appreciated what I got! We had an exceptional dinner, cooked by my DIL. I played games with the grandsons (though they were mostly intrigued with their new videogames).

My son booked cruise tickets for their family, and the two mothers are invited to come along! This won't happen until next January (2017). Of course I will pay my own way, and so will Other Mother. It's a Carnival cruise going from New Orleans to Mexico. I've never been on a cruise in my life, so I'm excited! It means saving up for TWO vacations in 2017 -- my Key West trip with the girlfriends, and the cruise. I see lots of penny-pinching in my future.

My computer has been fixed. My son took a look at it, and he was able to do what the Geek Squad couldn't do. Everything looks a little different, but all my files were saved, and we were able to reinstall the important apps. So that was a great money savings there, because I was all ready to buy a new one!

I'm starting over on my snowflakes, since I took $1200 out to split among the grandchildren for college funds. I have $17.16 to apply to next year. This includes some cash back from Discover, a $5 rebate from Walgreens, and some found money. I found .28 in the last couple of days!

I only have 15 more hours of work to get in. That should be easily done. My variables spending is 95%, and I think I can come in under 100%. Only five more days, and I have plenty of food. May need gas.

I'm really looking forward to a frugal 2016!

I'm using my work computer right now, because my own is showing me what I believe is the blue screen of death. As far as I know I didn't do anything at all to bring this on, and the computer is only a couple of years old. I'm really bummed. The last thing in the world I want is to buy a new computer now.

I worked for six hours yesterday. I heard nothing from my kids, so I don't know if the museum trip is tabled, or what. I'm going to try to get in six more hours today.

I took care of putting the college money in the 529, which is a Christmas gift. I ordered crazy socks for my son -- ten pairs for $59, which includes shipping. I hope they will arrive before Christmas, but if not I'll do some creative IOU.

I heard from my Florida son that their package had arrived so that was a relief. It had a check and gift card in it, as well as little gifts, so I was hoping the porch pirates didn't get it.

Iggy was pretty bad last night, especially in the early morning. I got up at four, because there just didn't seem to be any point in trying to sleep. In addition to his yowling, he has the stinkiest poops I've ever smelled. And they are loose. I wonder if he has discomfort when he's relieving himself, and that's why he yowls.

I don't know when I'll get to the vet, with this work hanging over me. Going to the vet takes a half a day.

I made one decision yesterday that eased my mind. I decided I would not host a New Year's Day brunch this year. I'm going to have it instead on January 6, Twelfth Night, which is a Sunday this year. That will give me plenty of time to get ready, after all the work is done. I've always wanted to have a Twelfth Night party, anyway! Maybe I'll make that my tradition!

Pay day is tomorrow. I have lots of things to settle up. I wish my computer were working.

Well, time to do some real work.

Menu:

Breakfast: Toast
Lunch: Lasagna (yes, it will last forever....)
Dinner: French onion soup? Quesadillas?

Girls' weekend has come and gone -- so short this year! Next year we are going to do something more substantial. We're talking about a long weekend in Key West.

We went to a Christmas symphony concert, had dinner in a ritzy bistro, did a little shopping, lots of talking, a little tipping of the wine bottle.... The cost was not too bad. $43 for the concert, $36 for dinner, $23 for gas, and I spent $89 on Christmas shopping. I got a nice top and necklace for my DIL, a tree ornament, and a game for my DIL's little niece, whom I really don't know, but she and her father will be joining us this. I still have to get something for the dad, really clueless on that; I will let DIL suggest something. I also want to get some crazy socks for my son, and then I will be done.

I am now waiting on word from my son & DIL on whether we will go to the museum today. It has been mentioned; however, they don't know that they're getting a membership for Christmas, so it's kind of awkward. I wouldn't want them to have to pay anything today, but I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'm kind of hoping they'll decide not to go today. But if they do, I'll give them one of the membership cards and pretend like it's a complimentary pass. Hope it works and I don't get busted.

I have some work to catch up on. I'm not going to stress it, though. I will work on Christmas Eve if I have to. I might even put in some time on Christmas Day, after all the festivities are over.

My cat is no better about his noisiness at night. I'm really suffering from lack of sleep, because I no sooner drop off than he's yowling again. I'm going to take him to the vet, but not today -- at least, not until I know whether this will be a museum day.

Oh, I forgot to say, one of my girlfriends gave me two pounds of organic ground beef! Her grandsons are active in 4-H, and they had a ton of meat in their freezer. That was a nice surprise. It's become so expensive I haven't bought ground beef in a while.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Biscuit & honey
Lunch: Lasagna
Dinner: Eggs & ham

Well, I got in five hours of work today. Had to quit because the internet was so slow, I couldn't navigate. Maybe I can make up some time on Sunday afternoon, when I get back from girls' weekend. Yes, it's going to be a short one. Leaving Saturday morning and coming home Sunday morning. We girls just have too much to do.

I just bought a bag of cat chow to make sure the kitties will have enough. Yeah, it's only one day, but Iggy eats like there's no tomorrow. The chow was $14.

I have to clean the fish tank and pack. I wish I didn't have to clean the fish tank, but it's been a while. I really should.

I really just want to stretch out on the couch and read.

I can't believe we are so close to Christmas, and I have so much to do. I hope the girls want to shop this year; it would help out if I could get some done on Saturday.

Only 36 more hours to work. That doesn't sound too bad. I do look forward to that big check!

I got a notice from SS today telling me what my payment will be in 2016. It is the same, no mention whatever of the changes that were recently passed into law. I am cautiously hopeful that I am grandfathered in, and will continue to collect the spousal benefit until I switch to mine in 2020.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Biscuits
Lunch: Lasagna, sautéed mushrooms
Dinner: Veggie sandwich

Weather-wise, that is. It's cold today (though still warmer than average). We've had an unusually warm winter this year. But last night, standing at the gas pump, I was shivering in the wind, and I remembered, oh yes, this is winter.

I've put in 11 hours in the last two days. Yesterday I went to my old workplace's Christmas party. It was very nice, and very good to see most of the people. I felt kind of bad that I didn't take anything, but I was told not to -- and really, there was tons of food there -- many, many leftovers.

While out in the suburbs, I got cheap gas ($20) and dropped off a bag at Goodwill. "My" Goodwill is not very close.

I spent $6 on food yesterday at work. I also gave $10 to a homeless man. The joy on his face was worth it.

I have 47 more hours to work.

I've spent 92% of my variables budget, but of course Christmas spending is throwing it off.

Well, I guess it's time to get back on the clock.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Biscuits
Lunch: Scrambled eggs & ham
Dinner: Veggie burger

I drove into work yesterday - early - and I got 9 hours in! And someone came from IT and reinstalled my remote link. It worked at the museum -- I haven't tried it yet from here, but I am hoping. I want to get in a lot of hours today, because I want to go to a Christmas party tomorrow. It starts at 4, but it will take about an hour to get there. My old workplace. It will be fun to see old friends.

I spent about $8 yesterday on food, even though I brought my lunch! I bought breakfast, got a bottle of water, and got a cookie. I needed this stuff to keep going -- the project I'm working on is so tedious. And I was freezing! Even though the temperatures outside are unusually warm, in the museum it is FREEZING! With any luck, I'll only be going there a couple more times.

Today I have to mail a package and do some laundry, but I should be able to focus on work. I'm really starting to feel now that I'm going to get it done.

I guess that's it. Life is work, work, work. But I'll have fun tomorrow evening, and on my girlfriends' getaway this weekend.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Veggie & bacon omelet
Lunch: Turkey sandwich
Dinner; Lasagna

I really hate Christmas shopping, I have to admit. I hate to spend the money and I never feel like I'm getting anything anybody wants.

That said, I got some done. A book for my BFF: $18. Christmas napkins in caddies for the girlfriends: $30. A "Frozen" snackeez for my granddaughter: $10. A water bottle for my DIL's mom: $26. A rainproofing umbrella for my son: $24. Veggie crispers & scrubber for my DIL: $23. Night vision goggles for my grandson: $10. Sketch projector for my other grandson: $15. A toy for my son's dog: $5. (I promised) A $100 Target gift card for my son & DIL in Florida, who are buying a house. It's a good beginning.

I also bought myself a humidifier because it was half-price - $25. I got a box of filters for the aquarium: $25.

Then I stopped at Aldi and spent $27 on: eggs, tuna, gravy, pumpkin pie mix, mushrooms, sourdough bread, spreadable margarine, muffin mix, two jars of jelly, almond milk, peanut butter, crescent rolls, kitty litter and a poinsettia. The poinsettia was only $4, but I went back and forth about it. Finally got it, and I'm glad -- it looks so pretty in my dining room.

Before I went shopping I had the meetup with the incoming treasurer. We had brunch after switching the account; my share was $17. We went to a restaurant that caters to vegetarians, so my eggs benedict were served over spinach and tomato rather than Canadian bacon. A little strange, but healthy, I'm sure. This I will write off as a business expense.

I haven't figured out yet what this has done to my variables budget, but I knew December would be bad.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Hot Pocket
Lunch: Turkey Manhattan
Dinner: Lasagna? (if I make it)

I only got in four hours yesterday, and I can't make it up this weekend. Why? Because I accidently deleted the link that connects me to the museum! How could I do something so stupid? Well, after leaving the computer for about an hour I came back to find the link disconnected. I tried to connect, and it wouldn't let me in. I saw that the "Disconnect" and "Connect" were both grayed out. So I tried "Exit." Whoops. The icon disappeared. Now I can't work at all until I can go back to the museum and have them re-install the link.

That puts me only two hours behind schedule, which I can make up next week.

I took a walk to the post office yesterday, to pay my last bill as board treasurer. On the way, I stopped to look at a cart outside the rare book shop (which also has a lot of non-rare used books). What did I see but an advance copy of Elizabeth George's new book, A Banquet of Consequences. It's published now, and I could get it at the library, but I decided I wanted it NOW rather than endure the wait list. It cost $6.50. After I'm done, I'll pass it on to my sister, so it's not a total waste of money.

At the post office, I bought a book of stamps - $9.80. And I stopped at Walgreens on the way back to look at hair dryers. My hair dryer died yesterday morning, after a very long life. I honestly can't remember when I bought it, but it was ages ago! I should have gone to Wal-Mart to get the best bargain, but I saw a Conair at Walgreens that was marked down to $14.99. I don't know if that's a decent price, but it was worth the price of not having to fight traffic (both car and people) to go to Wal-Mart at this time of year. So I bought it.

Today I tried it out, and I was just thinking, wow, what power! When poof! Out went the lights. My tricky old-house wiring will not take too much of a load. I went down to the basement and flipped the switch, then I tried again with the lights and TV and Christmas tree and aquarium turned off. It was fine. I'll have to remember to turn things off before I use it. What a pain.

But the big news today is that I slept last night! I heard Iggy only once, and that was early in the night. I don't know if he was quiet, or if I was so tired his noise didn't wake me. I did try to play with him yesterday. He really wasn't interested, but he wanted lots of love, so I gave it to him. Which makes me think it is an emotional problem, and I just need to make him feel loved and secure.

I found .30 on my walk yesterday! A quarter and five pennies. That's unusual, especially since they were spread out in different places.

Today I have to go to a suburb about 30-40 minutes away to meet the incoming treasurer at the bank. We are going to switch my name to hers. I would like to say that I will be done then, but I have a ton of papers that have to be organized before I give them to her. I've procrastinated terribly. I'm going to try to get it done tomorrow, as long as I can get some Christmas shopping done today.

Anyway, we're going to have breakfast afterwards, though I've been up so long it will be more like lunch for me. Then it's off to a day of making decisions and buying. Since next weekend is girls' getaway weekend, and I have to work every weekday, I'm down to the wire on Christmas shopping.

I can't wait till January!!!!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Toast & peanut butter
Lunch: Whatever
Dinner: Cheese quesadilla, veggies

I worked six hours yesterday, all spread out between 6 am and 7 pm, with substantial breaks. It was much less tiring than going full-steam ahead. If the remote link works, I will do that again today. 71 hours to go.

I cooked off some vegetables yesterday and added turkey cubes, mozzarella and cream cheese. Today I'll put the filling into crescent roll pockets for my own version of homemade hot pockets. Hope it will be good, I'm looking forward to it!

My yowling cat interrupted my sleep a lot last night. I looked around on the internet for solutions, but didn't find anything I didn't know already. I know I do need to rule out physical problems, but he was checked out by a vet just before I got him, and, frankly, I don't have time this month to take him to the vet. I also think it would freak him out more, because he would think he's being passed on again. I'm going to try to engage him more today, see if that helps.

I'm looking forward to two days of freedom this weekend! But lots of Christmas stuff to do.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Omelet
Lunch: Homemade hot pockets
Dinner: Turkey Manhattan sandwich

Got my check, got 9 more hours done. Only 77 hours to go, and I have thirteen non-holiday weekdays to do it in. Oh man, that's still 6 hours a day. Guess I mistakenly counted New Year's Eve before.

I drove in today -- got there at 6:30, because my cat would not let me sleep, so I decided to just get up and start the day. I can't even describe what a yowl he has, and of course he talks at night, because that's his daytime. I'll bet anything it's the reason he ended up without a home. Well, I'm sticking with him, but I sure hope he gets quieter.

Went to the library yesterday and checked out the movie Birdman, though I don't know when I'll watch it. Maybe this weekend.

The winter concert was great. I sat in the front row and had a good view of my grandson. I could even hear him play. He gets better and better. The orchestra struggled a bit to keep tempo, but they were pretty good, especially considering they tackled some challenging music. I can hardly wait for the spring concert!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Raspberry scone
Lunch: Pizza, clementines
Dinner: Greek yogurt

I was delighted to get up this morning and find that the remote access was working. I got in 4 1/2 hours until I was kicked out. I'll try it again later. I would like to get in about 8 hours today.

I have to go to the library to return items, and I also have my grandson's winter concert to attend tonight. I'll make the library trip as soon as I finish here, then hope that I can get back in and get some good time in before the concert at 7.

With all these challenges, I might have to face the possibility that I might not be able to finish. Or I might have to work at odd hours, like in the middle of the night.

Tomorrow I go back in person, and I will get there early, so that I am not the one they have to find a space for. I got an email this morning that my check is ready and in the payroll office. So at least I have that to be thankful for! And tomorrow I'm going to have lunch with a friend, despite the time crunch. And my old workplace is having a holiday party on the evening of the 16th, and I will try to make that, too. I really want to remain social this month, despite the urgency to work.

89 1/2 hours to go!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Toast & jam
Lunch: Pizza, trail mix
Dinner: Salad

Why am I not surprised? No check today, despite the promise. What is the matter with this organization? I will ask again tomorrow, if I go in. If the remote access works, I will stay home.

Oh, and I learned today I will have to share my space with another contract worker. I don't see how I can get my hours in if the remote access doesn't work and I don't have a workplace. Can this get any harder?

I got 7 1/2 hours in today. I wanted to go for 8, but I was just too brain dead for that last half hour.

I spent $5 in the museum café. Just for coffee, a roll and juice. I got $1 off with coupons. I did bring my lunch.

I bought the membership for my son's family. I got a $30 discount, so it was $125. They will get free admission, free parking, and free admission to ten showings at the Omnimax theater. A pretty good deal!

I looked at the museum shop today for gifts for my grandsons. While there were things that might interest them, they were so expensive, even with my discount. And I'll be giving them college money, and the museum membership is for them as much as anyone else -- but -- they have to have something to open! Some little gimcrack, but a good one. Have to put the thinking cap on.

Tonight I'm treating myself to watching "Woman in Gold." I borrowed it from the library and it's due tomorrow. I also have a book due -- a "most wanted" book that cannot be renewed. I have about 90 pages to read, so I might be able to do that tonight after the movie.

I hope my new cat doesn't keep me up, like he did last night. He cries -- or complains -- very loudly -- at night. He also runs from me if I move too quickly, as if he thinks I will hurt him. I know I am dealing with an unhappy past here, but I wish he would adjust a little more quickly! I need to sleep!

I spent $100 at the grocery store this morning. I bought items for my son's birthday dinner tonight, some basics that I will need for the next few weeks, and a few gifts (fancy tea). I used two coupons and bought 8 items on sale -- my total savings was $6. Not great, but every little bit counts.

Yesterday I decorated the tree and the house. Just doing that much wiped me out, and I spent the rest of the day watching silly Christmas movies and reading. Today I have to pull the meal together and clean up the house a bit. I've already baked the cupcakes. My son has ordered chipped beef on toast (because his wife never makes it!) and chopped salad. The chopped salad includes ham, turkey and cheese, so I have a lot of chopping to do. I have a frozen pizza on hand for the grandsons, who won't eat either chipped beef or salad.

I'm not in the Christmas spirit yet, but I'm getting there. Sometime this week I'll send a Christmas package to my son's family in Florida. I'm just putting together a bunch of little things, mostly. I'm stuck on what to get for my son. He's never been hard to buy for before, but his interests have changed. He travels a lot -- maybe I'll put together a travel kit.

I think I'll get my local son (and family) a membership at the museum. I'm not sure if I can get a discount, but even so, it would be a good gift for them, especially since I won't be on staff after this month -- and I think they were counting on making some visits!

So Christmas is getting there. I need to find out if I am going to be included in the extended (local) family gathering -- if so, I have to buy gifts for my ex and his wife, and for my nephew and his wife and kids. I have to get little gifts for my girlfriends. A gift for my BFF. A gift for my DIL's mother. Man, I still have a lot to do.

And tomorrow I go back to work to start knocking off those 100 hours.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Clementines & toast
Lunch: Tuna salad sandwich
Dinner: Chipped beef on toast, salad

Yesterday I sat down to work at home, but the remote access link did not work at all. I fiddled around with it, but there was nothing else to do but throw myself together and drive to work. I had a late start, so I only got in 6 hours. Now I am going to assume I can't work at home. (Though I will keep trying.) I have a little over 100 hours to go. If I can get in 7-hour days, I can do it in 15 days.

I will dedicate the weekends to getting ready for Christmas, and other household chores, too. This morning I hauled up the Christmas tree from the basement, and I started a load of laundry. Later I will do some shopping. I won't be able to waste much time this month.

I spent $8 on lunch yesterday, and it was pretty awful. I will have to get back in the swing of brown-bagging, if I'm going in every day.

As always, my girlfriends and I are having a girlfriends' weekend this month. This time we will be in Indiana. I got an email last night that a ticket to the symphony will be $43. There will be restaurant expenses, too, but we will be staying at my girlfriend's home, so no hotel expense. The get-together will take place the weekend after next. I hope by that time I will be feeling like a lot of my work has been done.

I am also supposed to meet the incoming treasurer of the board this month to transfer the bank account from my name to hers. I'm waiting for her to initiate -- I know from experience that it is a lengthy process, and if it didn't take place until January I would be delighted.

Still don't know if dinner for my son's birthday is a go for Sunday, but for now I will assume it is.

I always do a brunch for the extended family on New Year's Day, so I do hope my work is done before I have to start pulling that together. And of course I don't want to work on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Didn't expect to feel quite THIS stressed this month, but I will do it!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, English muffin
Lunch: Tuna salad sandwich
Dinner: Ham, sweet potatoes

I was able to put in six hours of work at home yesterday. It looks like the remote link is working well now. That is a relief!

I did have an interruption when my DIL came over with GS2. Turns out she had been calling me, and I didn't hear the phone. She needed to run to school to help GS1 with a project, but GS2 was home with a sore throat. So I went over there and read books to him for about an hour, and he explained all about Pokémon to me! And I still got the six hours in, so all was good.

Lookin' at six hours today, and then I will spend the weekend on Christmas stuff. I haven't brought the tree up from the basement yet. I also promised a birthday dinner on Sunday for my son, but it's up in the air, as he's scheduled an online exam on that day. Maybe he will be available afterwards.

No spending yesterday except for a $5 donation to Wikipedia. I use it a lot in my work, and I really do appreciate that it is a website with no ads. I hope it is able to stay that way.

Because of my work schedule, I'm going to miss out on driving my cousin to Florida, to her winter home. It's always a fun trip, sweetened by the possibility of seeing my kids, but this December I have no time at all. I told her I would be free as a bird in January, but of course she doesn't want to wait that long.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Pecan pie (hey! I'm almost done with it!)
Lunch: Ham sandwich, veggies
Dinner: Sweet potato pancakes, applesauce

I had a meeting with my boss today and she sprung some more surprising news on me -- my job will end on December 31! Not because they are unhappy with my work in any way, it's just that the contract was only for this calendar year. And since they will be hiring a permanent employee, it will not be renewed. So -- the contract was for $5K, and I have to earn it all before the year ends. I just figured it out, and it will mean working 6 hours a day for 19 days. Those 19 days are weekdays, barring Christmas and Christmas Eve. If I work more than 6 hours a few days, I can cut down the number of days. I've got a big project to work on, and I can do a lot of it at home, as long as the remote access works. I've had some trouble with that, so it might mean going into the office a lot.

I can do it. I'm not going to pass up $5K.

I'm actually kind of happy to be done sooner than I thought. I wasn't looking forward to the commute in January and February. And I'll be happy to be really done, and be able to devote time to other things....

Spending for Christmas has begun. I'm going to get as much as I can at the museum gift shop, using my 20% discount. It will be easy to shop there during my breaks, too, and I think my family will get a kick out of the gifts. So, today I bought an ornament, a bib, and a t-shirt -- $36. Overpriced, yes, but unique. I'm especially pleased with the t-shirt for my granddaughter, which features a sparkling fairy coach with horses. It'll go great with the silver tutu I got for her birthday! And the bib is one of those really big ones, with the body of a train engineer, so it looks like a costume. The ornament is a glass eggplant. Yep. I said they were unique!

I also spent $3 on breakfast and $20 on gas. And yesterday I bought a birthday card for my son for $4. He would rather have the money, but I just loved the sentiment. It says, "There are so many ways a son can turn out/ Thanks for choosing "great!" He is such a good guy. He needs to hear that, a lot.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Artisan scone
Lunch: Turkey sandwich, yogurt
Dinner: Bacon sandwich, pie

Lost my entry -- so here goes again!

Good Thanksgiving! Food, games, fun, conversation -- the best!

Pretty frugal, too -- only $32 for gas, $24 for road food. Spent about $20 on food I brought. And I brought home leftovers - turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, pie -- that are probably worth a lot more than that!

Yesterday I took my sister back to the airport and then went straight to work, so it was a long day, and tiring. But I got confirmation that I will be paid on Monday.

November spending:

Car Repair/Maintenance - $3411
Housing - $677
Groceries - $181
Gifts/Charity - $140
Vet/Pet Supplies - $140
Utilities - $125
Fees/Services - $75
Vacation/Travel - $58
Phone - $51
Eating Out - $50
Medical/Health - $47
Entertainment - $37
Business - $35
Personal - $17
Laundry - $15
Household Supplies - $9
Fares/Parking - $6

Total: $5074
Variables spending: 84%

I didn't count the expensive car repair in the variables; it's coming out of savings.

I have a lovely day at home looming ahead. I'm going to enjoy it! I always need my introvert/nerd time after being with people 24/7 -- even when it was wonderful! Off to get some coffee now!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Pecan pie (I have to admit)
Lunch: Bacon sandwiches, veggies
Dinner: Ham & sweet potatoes

I worked yesterday, catching up on all my projects. There is one that I haven't started which will have to wait till after Thanksgiving.

I got clarification that $5,000 was set aside for my contract work. At the time I signed on, it was suggested that after I used it up, it might be renewed. However, now that they are hiring a permanent employee, that option has closed. I will earn $5K from the museum. I've already clocked $1735 (?) so I don't expect I will be working long past January or so. By that time they will probably be training the new person.

No, I haven't been paid yet, but I've been told that it is imminent. I hope that means that I will have a check when I return.

It was a bit of a challenging day, since I went to work without my badge. I was able to get in, explaining to the security guard and showing ID, and I was able to get around the building using my key rather than the badge. But I was really worried that I couldn't get out of the parking garage without paying $22 (which is what visitors pay). Luckily, one of my co-workers had some complimentary passes, so I didn't really have to pay for this big mistake.

I did pay for breakfast and lunch, though, but only $8 for both. I had coupons, and my lunch was rung up wrong, but the cashier just let me have it for the lower price he mistakenly entered. So I had some good luck, too!

I finally did the grocery shopping on Sunday, spending $23 at Aldi, $17 at Jewel, and $7 at PetSmart. Here is what I got:

Croutons
Shredded mozzarella
Shredded cheddar
Tuna
Cocoa
Cat Litter
Sherbet (2)
Chocolate chips
Vinegar
Onions
Cat Chow
Cream Cheese (4)
12-inch cheese pizza (free)
5-oz. Yogurt (free)
Parmesan cheese
Shampoo
Fish Food

I got four cream cheeses in order to use a coupon. I can always make a cheese cake if I can't use it up any other way.

Today I'm getting ready for my trip. I'm doing a load of laundry, packing, getting the bed ready for my sister, cleaning the fish tank, vacuuming, taking out the trash, and perhaps getting my hair trimmed.

It turns out I do not have to make the cranberry relish. My brother has come with another option. I thought that might happen! I'm taking 2 lbs. of Starbucks coffee as my contribution toward the meal. There is always way too much food, so I don't feel bad about not bringing any.

Tonight I pick up my sister at the airport and tomorrow morning we hit the road. I probably won't be checking in till after the holiday, so everyone have a wonderful, blessed, fantastic Thanksgiving!

It's time to break out of this lethargy. I didn't do much of anything yesterday. But I did watch "Little Women," one of my favorite movies, and with the Christmas scenes on the screen, and the fresh snow outside, it was a very sweet experience.

Today I'm going to finally go to the store. I need to get the makings for cranberry relish, as well as a few other things. I found a recipe that incorporates pears, maraschino cherries, pineapple tidbits and orange juice, and I think it might attract a little more interest at the Thanksgiving table.

I'm also going to get a free pizza and free yogurt with a virtually-clipped coupons.

There is snow on the ground, and it's cold, but I've got to do it. After I finish this load of laundry.

I've been letting the house go a little too much, too. I am doing the basic things, like making the bed, and loading/unloading the dishwasher. But I'm letting the things I really don't like to do slide. Like vacuuming, dusting, mopping, cleaning fixtures, tackling clutter, etc. I've decided I will set the timer for a half-hour every morning and afternoon, and just do things I don't like to do. I think it will make me feel a lot better! I've found that the timer is a great motivating tool.

I did get around to ordering my son's birthday present. Using a $15 gift card, I spent $27 out of pocket for a shirt and a pair of socks on Amazon. The socks were about $15, so I guess I got them free! They must be some socks. I'm not complaining; I like SmartWool socks myself, and they're worth it in the long run.

The package will arrive on Monday, when I'm working. I hope it isn't stolen before I get home. Packages are left in our vestibule, which is unlocked. When thieves are at work, they go up and down the streets and steal all the unprotected packages. I've lost two in the past (which were replaced by the sellers, no problem -- except the annoyance). I haven't had problems recently, but with the holiday coming, I'll bet the thieves are gearing up again.

My variables spending is only 58%, which of course isn't counting the car-painting. As a big ticket item, it will come out of Slush Fund/EF rather than the variables budget (when the Discover bill comes). Since I've started keeping track, I've underspent the variables budget by more than $2K, which is very good news. That will more than cover any Christmas overspending.

Now that the birthdays are out of the way, I can finally concentrate on Christmas. I'll let Amazon help me out; it's so hard to choose things that are really wanted and needed. The grandkids are getting college money and T-shirts. Boy, won't they be excited! But it's intentional -- they get so much stuff, way more than they need, even more than they are able to enjoy, in my opinion. But someday they will need education dollars.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Quiche
Lunch: Peanut soup, sourdough bread, carrots
Dinner: Fried egg sandwich, veggies, applesauce

We had our snow last night! Late in the evening, it was coming down fast, the ground was covered and the trees were all heavy white lace. This morning, it's pretty much melted off -- just a light cover on the grass. I'm glad. I'm not ready for things like brushing off the car and driving through snowbanks yet.

They do say more is coming, however.

I didn't spend anything or leave the house yesterday. Today I'll return my library books and pick up a few items at the grocery. I've promised to make cranberry relish for Thanksgiving. Always the least popular item at the table, but that's what my brother assigns me! I'm going to troll around today for a tastier recipe. I'm also going to get cat food and cat litter so there's plenty on hand before the trip.

Cooking at home is going to be all about using up stuff before the trip.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Quiche
Lunch: Open face Swiss-style pizzas
Dinner: Egg salad sandwich & ants on a log

After two full days at work, it's nice to have a day at home again.

We're expecting a snowstorm tonight, and are being advised to run errands before it starts this evening. I don't have much to do -- just need to return some library books. I COULD go to the grocery store, but on the other hand, I can make do with what I have, and I've already overspent on groceries.

This morning I got into cooking mode. I made a cheese & bacon quiche, and, while the oven was hot, made a batch of granola. I'm also cooking carrots, which I will season with the bacon drippings.

My new cat is sneezing. I hope a vet's visit is not in the future. He was checked out before I got him, so I'm not too worried. He looks fine -- no discharge, no watery eyes -- so I hope it's just a feline cold which will pass. I will watch him.

On Tuesday I will pick up my sister at the airport for our Thanksgiving trip! I can't believe the holiday is almost upon us!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: English muffin
Lunch: Cheese & bacon quiche, carrots
Dinner: Spaghetti, garlic bread, celery sticks

Since none of my invoices have been processed, I was invited to start over and create one invoice for the whole time I've been at the museum. With a little bit of back and forth, we arrived at an acceptable format. I hope now that I will get a check soon. The good news is that this one check will pay for about half of my car rehab. Which means another month of work should pay it off.

The museum displays Christmas trees from around the world every year at this time. After this morning's meeting, I spent a little time looking around at them. There was Christmas music in the background, and a really cute holiday gift shop set up. It was so uplifting. I went back to work with a whole new attitude.

My only spending today was breakfast at the café for $2.54.

I didn't sleep well last night, and then, when I got on the road this morning, I faced some really rough traffic. It turned out there were TWO accidents ahead. Felt really appreciative that I arrived safely -- didn't fall asleep on the road and didn't get in a wreck!

Next week I will work on Monday, since I will be on the road to Michigan on Wednesday.

The museum is going to hire a new permanent full-time employee in my department. I don't know how that will impact my work -- whether I will have two people giving me assignments -- or whether I won't be needed at all! Today was too busy to even have a chance to talk about it. Guess we'll figure it out in the future.

However, at the meeting today, the campaign consultant asked for my business card -- she may be interested in hiring me for contract work. She runs her own freelance business in fundraising. Problem is -- I don't have a business card! But I will send her my information -- and I guess I need to get some cards made up.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Danish & coffee
Lunch: Yogurt, veggies, chips, clementine
Dinner: Cheese quesadillas

Well, today my boss told me that I need to do my invoices differently. Yes, I did them just the way she told me to, but, in her defense, she is just figuring this out as she goes, and she didn't know what was required either.

I can't just turn in hours worked; I have to identify projects and how much time was spent on each. That's okay going forward, but I don't know how I'm going to catch up on what I've already done. I went back and forth among the profiles I was working on, and really have no clear idea of how much time I spent on each. Another problem -- quite a bit of my time was spent learning the procedures and troubleshooting problems with my computer and the remote connection. I hope they aren't going to say I don't get paid for that time! And what about meetings, and training? Is that a project?

I know they have a need for me to show accountability, but the truth is I've been extremely reliable and circumspect; they just don't realize it. They are also urging me to finish profiles more quickly so they won't "cost" as much -- well, that's not how I work. I do thorough research and work hard to be accurate and produce a quality product. I don't do fast and slapdash. Everyone pays for that, in the long run. I may not be the right fit for this organization. We'll see how it goes.

I have to go back tomorrow because there is a training session/meeting. I hope I get paid for it! What am I saying, I haven't been paid for anything (she said peevishly).

Anyway, I'm really tired. I'm going to have a glass of wine and go to bed early!

Yesterday was a pretty low-key day. I didn't go out; didn't spend anything aside from $3 for a load of laundry. I did rearrange my hall closet and put my air conditioners away. They are very heavy, but I could manage it myself. Now I just have to have my son pull down the storm panes for me. I can lift an air conditioner, but I cannot manipulate those windows!

I recalled that I had finished a Pinecone survey but didn't remember processing the $3 payment. So I went to their site and found the 300 points sitting there. I must have accidently deleted the email.

I made the sloppy joes and also made a batch of spaghetti sauce. That used up all the ground beef. Probably will freeze most of the spaghetti sauce.

I got an email late in the day from my boss saying that Acrobat Pro has been installed on my work computer. That means I can log in remotely and finish the profiles I was working on. As long as I can figure out how to use Pro. I know learning something new is a good thing at my age, but getting a lot of new stuff thrown at me makes me nervous.

But I can't do that until I get through a board finance meeting this morning (via phone). I'm so ready to be done with that, it's hard to get prepared for these meetings.

I'm actually excited about going to work tomorrow because I can drive there! What a pleasure that will be!

I still haven't been paid, so I sent an inquiry along with my invoice yesterday. I know that I will be paid eventually, and I keep very good records, but this is frustrating. So far I have earned $1,350, and I would like to see it!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Cornbread, fruit
Lunch: Sloppy joes, veggies
Dinner: Spaghetti, garlic bread

Shoot! Just lost my entry, and it was my fault!

So, to recap....

Yesterday was my grandson's birthday party. He hosted friends at the university game room, where they played video games, pool, air hockey, pinball, etc. A good time was had by all!

He got many gifts, even though "no gifts" were requested on the e-vite. Why do people do that?

I got a free dinner of pizza, chips, fruit, and cupcakes.

I'm going to clean out my hall closet today, so I can fit the air conditioners in there. I'm done with taking them down to the storage unit.

Iggy is still doing well. Mystery still growls when she sees him, but I hope time will soften her attitude.

I basically read a whole book the last two days, which I didn't even record on the side, because I just tore through it so fast. It's "Longbourn" by Jo Baker. I had requested it at the library, and it came in, so I temporarily shelved "The Golden Bowl." "Longbourn" is the story of "Pride & Prejudice" told through the viewpoint of the servants. Really good.

Another Austen take-off has come in as well. "Sense & Sensibility" by Joanna Trollope -- it's a modern retelling of the story.

AND, I bought a full edition of "The Chronicles of Narnia" -- my beau who doesn't know he is a beau is a scholar on C.S. Lewis. I thought it was time I got up to speed. I read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" to the kids when they were little, but never anything beyond that.

I guess that's it!

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Cornbread
Lunch: Sloppy joes
Dinner: Potato bowl

Yesterday I went to the grocery store again, spending $66. That takes me up to $144 spent this month, which is more than I typically spend in a whole month. But I had some catching up to do, after some record low spending on groceries in previous months. Here is what I bought for $66: Spaghetti, two bags of chocolate chips, sugar, popcorn, bread (two loaves), crushed tomatoes, 3 bags of coffee, crackers, Swiss cheese, cream, bacon, coffee creamer, English muffins, butter, snack chips, frozen pizza, carrots, and celery.

I was asked, "Are you making cookies?" Yes, eventually, but mainly I bought the chips and the sugar because of the good prices. I bought 3 bags of Starbucks coffee so I could get a $5 Starbucks gift card. I'll take 2 bags of coffee to my brother's for Thanksgiving, and the gift card will go into a Christmas stocking for my DIL.

I bought a 5 oz. bag of snack chips -- some kind of veggie-infused healthy chip, which I will use as part of a brown-bag lunch at the museum. It was on the clearance shelf for half price.

So I think I made some good decisions, but it still adds up.

My new kitty was delivered to me at about 1 o'clock. He was very distressed with all the change and moving about, I think, and I let him chill in his carrier, and then in the bathroom, until he felt more relaxed and comfortable. I wish I could tell him he is in his forever home, but he is just going to have to learn that.

At about 4 he wanted to be let out of the bathroom to explore. He and my little lady have done a lot of staring and circling. There has been a little hissing and growling. But overall I think it's going to be a pretty easy transition. Both of them joined me in bed last night -- on different sides, of course!

He is eating well and taking an interest in everything. He is fascinated with the aquarium, which my other cats have completely ignored.

In the evening, I went over to my son's house to celebrate my grandson's birthday. His real party is today, but his real birthday was yesterday. We had his favorite meal (shrimp and mac'n'cheese!) and then he opened his gifts from his parents and grandmas. I gave him a science kit that I found at a garage sale. It is one of those kits where you can build a clock, a windmill, a radio, a crank -- all kinds of things, with electronic parts. Beforehand I went through it piece by piece to make sure all parts were there and to verify that it had never been used. I think I paid $5 for it, but it is worth much more. Then I also gave him a $50 check for a fun adventure. I did the same with his brother last month. My DIL expressed a wish for less stuff, more experiences, so I hope she remembers saying that! The two of them may have a joint adventure -- mom & dad will plan, of course.

His "real" party today will be for his friends and more extended family. It will be held at some kind of a game room at the university, where the kids can play video games, etc. I believe they are renting the room by the hour.

One more birthday this month -- my son's. I have a game called Chronology -- another garage sale find. But that's just something to open. I need to get on Amazon and order something he wants.

And there is a Thanksgiving trip to plan. And that will be the end of an expensive month -- but the next month is December, and I have done basically no Christmas shopping. The grandchildren -- I am just going to get each one a t-shirt from the museum and then dole out the college money. That's what I do with my snowflakes, so each one will get $295, even if I don't earn any more snowflakes this year. That's a little better than last year, when each one got $250.

For my own kids -- I haven't even thought about it yet. I guess I will be relying on Amazon; it is so hard to know any more what they need and want.

I do plan to make kraeklingen for everyone -- trusting that I can master the recipe! I guess I should start practicing.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: English muffin, clementines
Lunch: Chili, cornbread
Dinner: Sloppy joes, veggies

(I didn't make the sloppy joes yesterday, since I was invited to dinner. They're a maybe today, too, since I don't know what will be served at the 3 o'clock birthday party!)